New York-based Bayco Jewels stunned visitors on the opening day of the 2013 Baselworld watch and jewelry show with one of the world’s rarest gemstones, a 206-carat Colombian emerald. Dubbed the Imperial Emerald, the one-of-a-kind gem is not only astonishing for its size and ideal color but for its exceptional clarity and lack of treatment.

“This unveiling represents a milestone for the history of Bayco and the industry. This gem is a representation of the exquisite high standards of our brand. To follow the essence of our history, is to continue to create or discover one of a kind treasures that are not attainable by many but befall a treasure to some,” said Moris and Giacomo Hadjibay, co-owners of Bayco Jewels LLC.

Rare and resplendent, emerald’s rich velvety green has been coveted since antiquity. And while color is paramount when it comes to judging fine emeralds, clarity is usually secondary, as emeralds often display visible inclusions that are sometimes called “jardin” in the industry. Most emeralds today are treated to improve their clarity, and it is uncommon to find clean emeralds, especially in larger sizes. The Imperial Emerald’s lack of treatment, rich color, and incredible size distinguish it as one of the most important emeralds to date.

Bayco’s Imperial Emerald is simply mind-boggling for its natural beauty. The stone has been graded by world-renowned gem authorities, including the Gübelin Gem Laboratory in Switzerland. The emerald received a Gem Portrait from Gübelin, which is reserved for exceptionally rare stones. Only a handful of Gem Portraits have ever been created by Gübelin, and stones must meet rigorous criteria set by senior gemologists at the lab.

“This is the first of its type that we give such a book,” notes Daniel Nyfeler, Managing Director of the Gübelin Gem Laboratory. “That in itself should make a statement about the exceptionality of this gem.”

Founded in 1982, Bayco Jewels continues to create rare and exceptional one-of-a-kind&nbsp; pieces with some of the finest gemstones in the world, including rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and rare diamonds.